YPD gets armored truck

Thursday

Sep 26, 2013 at 10:54 AM

By Ami RidlingDaily News Staff Writer

YREKA – In light of multiple active shooting incidents around the nation, Yreka Police Chief Brian Bowles is pleased to announce that his department has obtained an armored vehicle that will greatly enhance officers’ abilities to respond swiftly to incidents that pose various potential threats. It was acquired at no cost to the department.

“This will be a very important resource. I want my officers to have the best equipment possible to effectively do their jobs and keep the residents of Yreka safe,” commented Bowles.

He noted that last year alone, Yreka had two incidents of armed suspects taking hostages on Turre Street.

Furthermore, he commented that having an armored vehicle allows officers to negotiate with, engage or search for active shooters or armed suspects and rescue injured or trapped officers or citizens while minimizing risk to officers and other first responders.

Bowles worked for seven years to obtain the vehicle. He submitted his request to a United States Department of Defense program which distributes used, federal property – that has been decommissioned – to agencies at no cost.

Last year, he received notification that armored vehicles used in Afghanistan operations had been decommissioned.

He was recently notified that the vehicles had arrived at the Fort Lewis, Wash. Army Base and was subsequently approved to receive a MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle. It is five years old.

Last week, Bowles, Lt. Dave Gamache and a city mechanic traveled to Washington, examined the MRAP, took it on a test drive around the base, and drove it to its new Yreka home. It cost the city of Yreka approximately $300 in gasoline to transport the MRAP from Washington.

“It gets better mileage than I expected,” said Bowles, noting that it gets 9 miles to the gallon.

The 43,500-pound armored MRAP cost the federal government $658,000 to build in 2008, said Bowles. According to the vehicle’s documentation, it seats six as well as a gunner. It is equipped to plow through fire, and its airtight features allow for safe transport during chemical warfare. There are no weapons mounted on the MRAP.

“To my knowledge, there are no other vehicles like this in Siskiyou County,” commented Bowles.

The MRAP will be outfitted with communications equipment, emergency lighting and new seating. Ultimately, it will serve as a mobile command center and will be available to other law enforcement agencies when and if necessary.

“Hopefully we will never have to use it,” said Bowles, adding he hopes citizens will have better peace of mind knowing the department has one in the event of a tragedy.

“My staff is excited to receive training on the new vehicle and learn about its capabilities,” stated Bowles